What is food grade plastic?

Food grade plastic refers to plastic materials and articles that are safe to use in contact with food products. These plastics are regulated and tested to ensure they meet certain safety standards, and are free from harmful substances that may pose a risk to human health when the plastic comes into contact with food.

To be considered food grade, plastics must comply with specific requirements set by regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These requirements include:

1. Migration Limits: Food grade plastics must meet limits on the amount of chemicals that can migrate from the plastic into food when it comes into contact. Migration testing helps to ensure that the levels of substances released from the plastic do not pose a health concern.

2. Material Composition: Food grade plastics are made from approved resin types and additives that have been evaluated and found to be safe for use with food. The composition of the plastic must meet regulatory specifications to minimize the potential for harmful substances leaching into the food.

3. Physical and Chemical Properties: Food grade plastics must have suitable physical and chemical properties to ensure their safety. This includes factors such as heat resistance, durability, flexibility, and colorfastness.

4. Labeling: Food grade plastic products or packaging usually carry specific markings, such as recycling symbols or food contact symbols, to indicate their suitability for food contact.

Overall, food grade plastic materials are designed to protect the safety and quality of food products, ensuring that consumers can safely use and enjoy food packaged or stored in these plastics. Regular monitoring and quality control measures are in place to maintain the integrity and safety of food grade plastics throughout the manufacturing and distribution processes.